Tacho not working - how to remove instrument cluster

[tyga78 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close tyga78]

Hi All,

I have a 2005 Prado Grande and the Tacho has stopped working and the fuel guage is playing up also.

I'm wondering if anyone knows:
1. How to remove the instrument cluster

2. Fixes for the cluster (other than having to spend thousands on a new cluster)

3. Where to get a new transponder for the key (dog ate the last one when it fell out of the key), and also where to get the key transponder re coded.

THanks in advance.

[damonat Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close damonat]

Re: Tacho not working - how to remove instrument cluster

question 1;
remove lower steering column panel, drop steering wheel down to lowest setting, remove instrument trim surround,
remove the 4 srews holding instrument cluster, using a 10mm socket/spanner loosen the white hex ball screws on the top of the cluster, tilt base of cluster up and reach behind and disconnect the 2 large wiring connector plugs. remove cluster from dash.

question 2;
there are people out there that repair the instrument cluster. check your phone book under instrument repairs.

question 3;
your local dealer will have new transponders. do you have 1 that works? if so see the dealer to have programmed

[tyga78 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close tyga78]

Re: Tacho not working - how to remove instrument cluster

Thanks for that. Cluster is out and being repaired.
Cheers

[frazer73 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close frazer73]

Re: Tacho not working - how to remove instrument cluster

How did you go with fixing cluster as I have the same problem

[frazer73 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close frazer73]

Re: Tacho not working - how to remove instrument cluster

when you got cluster out were you able to still drive Prado

[Hub Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Hub]

My first post here. There are details elsewhere as to how to get to the bolts etc that hold the instrument cluster in. Here's what the instrument cluster looks like. There are two bolts that hold two multi pin connectors at the rear of the assembly and not much loose cable behind it so be careful. These are the white bolts at the top. Turn anticlockwise a few turns then push in which pushes the plug back from the assembly and keep repeating that until the plugs are free. Then you can take the assembly out. You can remove the front bezel held by two screws at the top and plastic keys into the case. You need to remove the gauge needles, fuel, speedo, tacho, temp, to remove the circuit board behind. The gauge needles are a push fit over the servo spindles.Carefully prise off the needles up next to the pin and take care not to mark the black backing or white markings. Remove the white cover on the rear. Remove the small sub assembly and its connector. Remove the screws holding the circuit board in. There is a pin header that connects to the odometer LED display. There are no bulbs to replace, it is modern with LED's. There are many surface mount components and micros to drive the electronics. Unless you are really skilled in electronics there probably isn't anything you can fix in there. For reassembly be careful with the header pins that connect to the odometer LCD display and that it is seated properly. If things don't work such as tacho, or lamps, it's probably the connectors in the vehicle chassis itself rather than anything on the circuit board. Connectors get dirt in them in the engine bay, especially if it has been cleaned or hosed down, or just oxidize with age. Sometimes just disconnecting plugs in the chassis and remaking the connection can fix faults. Just disconnecting the plugs at the rear of the instrument cluster and remaking the connection may be enough to fix a fault.